Netflix star Lynn Ban, 51, dies after undergoing brain surgery following ski accident: What to know about safety on the slopes

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Netlix star Lynn Ban has died after undergoing brain surgery following a recent ski accident. The 51-year-old jewelry designer, who starred in Bling Empire: New York, was involved in the tragedy on Christmas Eve in Aspen, Colo.

Sebastian Ban, the son of the Singapore-born star, shared the news on her Instagram account last week, writing she had died on Jan. 20. "I know she wanted to share her journey after her accident and brain surgery, so I thought she would appreciate one last post sharing the news to people who supported her," he penned, adding many of her followers didn't get the chance to know or meet her in person.

"She was and always will be my best friend, the best mother to me and someone who cared for all. She always had a smile on her face, even when times were tough during her recovery process. She was a fighter until the end and is the strongest woman I know," he continued. "She was the funniest and coolest mum I could ever ask for. She took care of me, my dad and our entire family throughout her whole life."

He added that despite his mother being gone, he will do everything he can to ensure she's remembered and celebrated. "I will miss you forever, and to end in something she always told me, 'I love you more than life itself,' mum."

Fellow celebrities and fans shared their condolences in the comments section of the post, which included a carousel of photos featuring Lynn, husband Jett Kain and Sebastian growing up.

"2025 is rocking me at this point! This is too much!!! Lynn you will always be our fairy godmother! Love you forever and always!" wrote singer Rihanna.

"Sending love. She was a force and now forever your angel," singer Katy Perry added, along with a broken heart emoji.

Lynn had shared a post on Dec. 30 reflecting on the Christmas Eve ski accident. She shared photos of herself in the hospital with half of her head shaved, as well as joyful snapshots from the day on the slopes.

"In a blink of an eye … life can change," she began in that post. "Christmas Eve on a beautiful sunny day in Aspen on vacation with my family, I had a ski accident that would change my life. At the top of the mountain I caught a tip and face planted. Luckily, I always wear a helmet. It didn't seem that bad at the time and I was able to ski to the bottom."

She added she got checked out by ski patrol in case she had a concussion, but was all clear. Still a paramedic suggested she should go to the hospital for a CT scan, which Lynn said "saved my life." She had written that she was told within 30 minutes that she had a brain bleed and needed to be airlifted to the hospital.

"Last thing I remember was being intubated and waking up after an emergency craniotomy with Jett by my side," she had shared. "There's a long road to recovery ahead but I'm a survivor and grateful to ski patrol, the incredible team of doctors and nurses and the [love] and support [of] my family and friends."

Is skiing dangerous?

Once winter hits, it's common to take part in recreational activities like ice skating, sledding and snowshoeing. Hitting the slopes with a pair of skis or a snowboard is also one of the most popular sports when it gets cold and snowy outside, but it's important to recognize the dangers of alpine activities.

According to the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program, there were 5,434 alpine skiing-related injuries reported in its database between Oct. 1, 2016 and Jan. 11, 2024. Of those injuries, the average age of the patient was just below 17. However, 3,461 of those patients were between ages five and 14.

Fractures were the main injury sustained by these patients, with 2,139 reported cases, or 39.4 per cent. Fourteen per cent of those injuries were brain trauma, equating to 759 incident. Of those, 546 were concussions, 191 were minor head injuries and 22 were intracranial injuries.

Deaths related to these ski injuries are typically rare, but that doesn't mean fatalities don't happen. Earlier this month, a 67-year-old man from Ontario died after falling into a snow well at Fernie Alpine Resort in B.C. Moreover, the deaths of a 15-year-old boy and 70-year-old man last January in Quebec within one week were a reminder of the risks associated with skiing.

The death of The Parent Trap actress Natasha Richardson in 2009 should also serve as a reminder for skiers to be careful. The 45-year-old actress died after sustaining a head injury — which turned into an epidural hematoma — at Mont Tremblant Resort in Quebec that March.

What should I do after falling while skiing?

If you experience a fall, crash or any other type of impact while on the slopes, you should stop skiing immediately, according to the Brain Injury Association of America. Continuing to ski with a concussion can worsen the injury or lead to severe complications.

After you stop skiing, it's best to contact ski patrol or get in touch with the closest medical facility for help. A health-care professional will be able to assist you while suggesting the best ways to treat an injury or monitor your health.

Finally, you should then focus on rest and recovery. This is essential for healing, and you don't want to partake in activities that can worsen a concussion, such as physical exertion, screen time and mentally-demanding tasks.

The Nepean Sports Medicine and Physiotherapy Clinic in Ontario also suggested looking for these signs and symptoms after a fall while skiing. If you have even one symptom, you should suspect you have a concussion and seek medical attention as soon as possible:

• Physical problems: Neck pain, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, balance difficulties and loss of consciousness

• Cognitive impairment: Slower reaction times, confusion, difficulty concentrating, amnesia (memory loss), feeling "foggy" and pressure in the head

• Behavioural changes: Feelings of not being "yourself," irritability, nervousness, anxiousness and feeling unusually emotional

• Sleep disturbances: Drowsiness, difficulty falling asleep as well as sleeping more or less than usual

How can I make skiing more safe?

Even before you head out for the hill, there are factors you should know to ensure you're fully prepared when it comes to skiing. For one it's best to plan for the weather, including dressing appropriately with warm clothing and proper closed-toe footwear. On top of knowing the conditions, make sure you know which paths you can take on the hill and which dangers you may encounter.

According to the Canadian Ski Council, it's best to be aware of any area-specific rules of conduct when it comes to hitting the slopes. Additionally, it's a good idea to take note of any warning signs and maintain a safe distance from other people on the hill.

When planning your next ski trip, use these tips to ensure you're staying as safe as you can when you're on the slopes:

• Wear a helmet at all times, as well as other protective equipment like goggles and wristguards

• Avoid skiing alone and plan to make sure someone knows where you've gone plus when you'll return

• Know your limit when skiing, and make sure you're refuelling and rehydrating throughout the day

• Be mindful of where you stop on a hill, and ensure you move over to the side of a run while resting

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